A Brazilian tourist tragically lost his life in a paragliding accident in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region on Thursday, marking the fourth foreigner to perish in the area within less than two months, officials confirmed.
Gilgit-Baltistan, renowned for its towering peaks and rugged landscapes, attracts numerous tourists annually for mountaineering expeditions, paragliding, and other adventurous activities. The region is administered by Pakistan as an autonomous territory and is a major hub for international climbers and trekkers.
Last month, two Japanese climbers went missing while attempting to summit Spantik Peak, a 7,027-meter mountain in Nagar district. Pakistani authorities recovered the body of one climber and ceased search operations for the other. Recently, another Japanese climber passed away during the descent from Spantik Peak after successfully reaching its summit.
“The accident occurred today in the Shigar district’s Askole area,” explained Wali Ur Rehman, the district’s deputy commissioner. “The paraglider has been identified as Raineri Rodrigo Chadded.”
According to Akhtar Shigri, a local official overseeing foreign affairs, Chadded was part of a seven-member team heading towards the K2 base camp. Among his team members were individuals from France, Bulgaria, the United States, and Switzerland.
“Chadded opted to paraglide from Askole to Jhula camp but tragically fell during the descent in the Askole area,” Shigri stated, adding that efforts were underway to transport his body.
Pakistan boasts five of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, renowned for their challenging climbs. This year alone, over 2,000 foreign climbers and trekkers have applied for permits to undertake mountaineering and trekking expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Sajid Hussain from the GB Tourism Department emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures. “For several years, we have mandated tour companies to strictly adhere to safety protocols,” Hussain noted. Despite occasional fatalities, he highlighted the region’s relatively low casualty rate among climbers and trekkers due to rigorous safety standards enforced by local authorities.
“We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of climbers and trekkers,” Hussain affirmed. “Tour companies are instructed to ensure comprehensive life insurance coverage for participants, facilitating prompt response in emergencies through Askari Aviation.”
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with high-altitude sports and the critical role of stringent safety measures in ensuring the safety of adventurers exploring Pakistan’s majestic mountainous landscapes.
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